OC Guide: i7 4790K W/H100i + Z97 Gaming 7 Mobo
OC Guide: i7 4790K W/H100i + Z97 Gaming 7 Mobo
Hi everyone,
I'm really new to overclocking and have been using this computer for about two years. My RAM is 2400 MHz, but it seems to be running at around 1600 MHz. I think my CPU requires a higher clock speed—around 4.2 GHz or more—and that's why the RAM can handle full performance.
I own a Corsair H100i and have a good fan cooling setup in my PC, which should manage the heat. However, I haven't felt confident overclocking much because it seems like a lot of work to test and adjust. Now I want to try it properly so my system matches its specs.
Some forums and YouTube videos have helped, but they don’t seem tailored to my motherboard or CPU. I’ve read that many BIOS settings can’t be changed, so maybe there’s an option to enable them.
Here are the details of my setup:
- Case: Corsair Obsidian 750D
- Motherboard: MSI Z97 Gaming-7
- CPU: Intel i7 4790K
- CPU cooler: Corsair H100i Hydro Series
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance Pro Series 16GB (2400 MHz)
- GPU: ASUS GTX 1080 Ti ROG STRIX OC
- Power supply: EVGA 750W SuperNOVA G2
I’m aiming for around 4.4 GHz and would prefer a stable 4.4 GHz rather than just hitting the turbo. No worries if I don’t reach the absolute max, just a bit higher is fine.
Anyone with advice or resources would be really appreciated!
Just to verify your RAM performance, it's currently at 1200 x 2, which equals 2400. However, you're actually operating at around 1199.8, very close to 1200. This is likely due to a multiplication factor of 2 being applied. To determine the real speed, try changing the multiplier to 44 and check stability with auto settings first. If issues arise, gradually increase the vcore in small steps starting at 1.25v. Once stable, you can aim for 45 - 4.5GHz. I used a 4790K and achieved 4.4GHz across all cores by setting the multiplier to 44.
You need to become comfortable with the BIOS settings. The RAM configurations aren't directly tied to the CPU; you can activate the XMP profile for RAM to utilize its advertised speed. Regarding the CPU, it's straightforward—raise the multiplier to 45 across all cores and set the core voltage between 1.2 and 1.25 volts.
Hi mate, I turned on XMP but it doesn't seem to affect my RAM speed. It keeps showing 1600mhz even though everything online says 2400. I think I'll check it out. I remember reading that a higher clock speed is needed for 2400 and that my CPU only supports it with OC enabled.
Just to verify your RAM performance, it's currently at 1200 x 2, which equals 2400. However, you're actually operating at around 1199.8, very close to 1200. This is likely due to a multiplication factor of 2 being applied. To determine the real speed, try changing the multiplier to 44 and check stability with auto settings first. If issues arise, gradually increase the vcore in small steps starting at 1.25v. Once stable, you can aim for 45 - 4.5GHz. I used a 4790K and achieved 4.4GHz across all cores by adjusting the multiplier to 44.